UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
Master of Social Sciences in Gerontology
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€27k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- One of the few postgraduate programs in social gerontology in the Asian region.Regional Focus
- Integrates aged services management, social policy analysis, and cross-cultural perspectives.Curriculum
- Cultivates gerontological competencies, promotes positive views on aging, and emphasizes policy advocacy.Program Goals
- Equips students with knowledge on mental health, long-term care, caregiving, and end-of-life care.Key Topics
- 60 credits required: 5 compulsory courses and 5 electives, or 3 electives with a dissertation.Credit Structure
The Master of Social Sciences (Gerontology) program is designed to provide advanced education and training in the field of social gerontology, with a focus on the unique context of Hong Kong and the broader Asian region. It aims to equip students with research-driven knowledge and practical skills related to aging populations, including mental health, long-term care, caregiving, and end-of-life care. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, policy analysis, and cross-cultural perspectives, preparing professionals to become leaders and advocates in the field. It is ideal for those seeking to specialize in working with older adults or advance their understanding of aging-related policies and services.
Curriculum
The program requires students to complete 60 credits. This can be achieved through 5 compulsory courses and 5 elective courses, or by completing 3 elective courses along with a dissertation. All compulsory courses are worth 6 credits each, and elective courses are also 6 credits each, with a dissertation being 12 credits.
- Compulsory Courses
- Social GerontologySOWK6193
- Social Policy and AgeingSOWK6207
- Research Methods in Human ServiceSOWK6265
- Ageing in Global ContextsSOWK6293
- Applying Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Quality Long-Term CareSOWK6334
- Elective Courses (Examples)
- Cognitive-Behavioral InterventionsSOWK6127
- Theoretical Foundation of Human Service PracticesSOWK6139
- Mental Health Problems in Old AgeSOWK6201
- Contemporary Perspectives on Death, Dying and BereavementSOWK6259
- Advanced Gerontological SeminarsSOWK6291
- Ageing and HealthSOWK6292
Careers
Graduates of the MSocSc (Gerontology) program are prepared for impactful careers across various sectors related to aging populations. The program aims to cultivate leaders and advocates equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the complexities of an aging society.
- Elderly services management
- Social policy analysis
- Academic research in gerontology
- Healthcare settings
- Public administration related to aging
- Program development and evaluation
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Master of Social Sciences in Gerontology program?
- The tuition fee is HKD 250,000 per year for the 1-year full-time program. An application fee of HKD 300 and a caution money of HKD 350 are also required.
- What are the entry requirements for this program?
- A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is required. Preference is given to candidates with two or more years of related work experience. Proof of English proficiency is also needed if your previous degree was not taught in English.
- How can I prove my English proficiency?
- You can provide scores from IELTS (minimum overall 6.0, with no subtest lower than 5.5), TOEFL (score of 80 or above), or specific GCE, IGCSE, or Cambridge English tests.
- What is the duration of the Master of Social Sciences in Gerontology program?
- The program is a 1-year full-time program.
- How many credits are required to complete the program?
- You need to complete 60 credits, which can be done through 5 compulsory and 5 elective courses, or 3 elective courses with a dissertation.
- What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating from this program?
- Graduates can pursue careers in elderly services management, social policy analysis, academic research in gerontology, healthcare settings, public administration, and program development.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is required. Preference is given to candidates with two or more years of related work experience.
IELTSMinimum overall band of 6.0, with no subtest lower than 5.5.
TOEFLA score of 80 or above.
GCEGrade C or above.
IGCSEGrade C or above.
Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English LanguageGrade C or above.
If your qualification is from a university where the language of teaching and examination is not English, you must provide proof of English proficiency. Note: Starting from the 2026 intake, IELTS and TOEFL tests must be taken within two years prior to September 1 of each admissions year.
Fees
Tuition (international)HKD 250,000 per year
Tuition (home)—
Living—
This is a self-funded program. The tuition fee is for the 1-year full-time program. An application fee of HKD 300 and a caution money of HKD 350 are also required.
How to apply
1. Establish Your AccountRegister an account on the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission online system. You will need to provide your full name, a valid email address, and choose a username. If applying for multiple programs, create a new account for each.
2. Complete the Online Application FormFill out the online application form accurately. The system has inactivity timeouts; save your progress frequently using the 'Save' button and proceed using 'Continue'. Review your information using the 'Preview' option before submission.
3. Pay the Application FeesProceed to the payment section to pay the non-refundable application fee (HKD 300). Once payment is confirmed, your application details cannot be changed online. You will receive an acknowledgement email with your application number.
4. Provide Supporting DocumentsLog in to the admissions portal (admissions.hku.hk/tpg/login.html) to upload your supporting documents within two weeks after completing the application form and before the deadline. Documents not in English must include a certified English translation from the issuing authority.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Master of Social Sciences in Gerontology program?
+
The tuition fee is HKD 250,000 per year for the 1-year full-time program. An application fee of HKD 300 and a caution money of HKD 350 are also required.
What are the entry requirements for this program?
+
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is required. Preference is given to candidates with two or more years of related work experience. Proof of English proficiency is also needed if your previous degree was not taught in English.
How can I prove my English proficiency?
+
You can provide scores from IELTS (minimum overall 6.0, with no subtest lower than 5.5), TOEFL (score of 80 or above), or specific GCE, IGCSE, or Cambridge English tests.
What is the duration of the Master of Social Sciences in Gerontology program?
+
The program is a 1-year full-time program.
How many credits are required to complete the program?
+
You need to complete 60 credits, which can be done through 5 compulsory and 5 elective courses, or 3 elective courses with a dissertation.
What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates can pursue careers in elderly services management, social policy analysis, academic research in gerontology, healthcare settings, public administration, and program development.